Berklee and The Boston Conservatory have signed a memorandum of understanding that could pave the way toward an eventual merger that would create the world’s most dynamic and comprehensive program for education in music, dance, theater, and technology.

Five years ago, Alissia ’14 was a student shooting for a scholarship to Berklee at the Umbria Jazz Festival. Now, the Berklee graduate and rising sensation is bringing her fresh brand of modern funk to tens of thousands from the festival’s stage.